Jackie Selebi must report as soon as is practically possible to start serving sentence

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes continued reports over the state of Mr Jackie Selebi's health following his unsuccessful bid to overturn his 15-year sentence handed down after he was found guilty of corruption.

We trust Mr Selebi will not contract a sudden case of Schabir Shaik-itis and that his current condition is in fact genuine. However, whatever his condition, he must report as soon as is practically possible to start serving his sentence.

Earlier this year Parliament amended the Correctional Services Act to make it much more difficult to falsify the grounds for medical parole as was the case with Schabir Shaik. We will be observing Mr Selebi's incarceration with great interest to ensure that, in line with the principle of equality before the law, he is treated exactly the same as any other inmate.

Statement issued by James Selfe MP, DA Shadow Minister of Correctional Services, November 4 2011

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